The Best Kitchen Faucet Aerators

One of the least expensive ways to increase the efficiency of your home is to install low-flow aerators on your faucets. These devices save water, and lower utility bills as well, because less hot water is used. Because of this, low-flow aerators will generally pay for themselves in only a few months. Standard faucet aerators will allow flow rates of 2.5 – 5 gallons of water per minute. But for bathroom faucets, low-flow aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 liters) of water per minute will deliver the same force of spray, but often in a more pleasing fashion. Kitchen faucets may require a higher flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons (7.6 to 15.1 liters) per minute if you regularly fill the sink for washing dishes. If you tend to let the water run when washing dishes, the lower flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute may be more appropriate. Some kitchen aerators will allow you to flip between two flow rates without affecting the water temperature (see below).

Here are some figures on faucet water usage: 15% of an average household’s daily water consumption is through faucet use. In a family of four, where each person uses the bathroom sink for 6 minutes each day, using a 0.5 gallon per minute aerator (instead of a 2.5 gallon per minute aerator) would reduce the daily household water consumption by 48 gallons per day, which totals 17,520 gallons annually.

Here’s a video by USA Landlord that demonstrates how to install a typical low-flow aerator:

This is a basic aerator which provides an even spray pattern, and uses only 0.5 gallons of water per minute. It is suited to bathroom sinks (e.g. where washing hands and brushing teeth take place). It’s a chrome-plated brass faucet aerator by Niagara Conversation. It’s available from Amazon for $1.50. Update, out of stock at Amazon — also available from USA LandlordandEnergy Federation Incorporated.

Sink Faucet Aerator 1.5 GPM

Faucet Aerator

This aerator is similar to the 0.5 GPM version, but the 1.5 GPM rate is more suited to kitchen sinks, where a faster flow is often needed. It’s available from Amazon and EFI for about $1.95.

Deluxe Flip Aerator

Kitchen Faucet Aerator

This bath or kitchen sink aerator has a fingertip on/off control lever, and it’s rated at 2.5 GPM. It allows you to temporarily slow flow of water while maintaining water temperature. This aerator is available from Amazon for $6.50. Also available at Amazon and EFI.

Deluxe Kitchen Swivel Aerator

Deluxe Flip Aerator

This kitchen aerator is similar to the Deluxe Flip Aerator — it has a touch flow restrictor, but it also swivels, allowing you to clean the sink. It controls water flow to only 2.2 gallons per minute but with 60 psi.

This high-performance aerator uses the least amount of water, but it is also the most expensive. The aerator uses a vacuum flow “booster” valve where water is aerated and “compacted” under vacuum pressure. Because of the force of the vacuum chamber, the aerated water leaves the aerator in a powerful stream, but at a very low rate of consumption — 0.375 gallons per minute. Thus gives it the feel of an aerator that uses 3 – 5 times as much water. Also comes in 0.5 GPM and 0.7 GPM versions.

Comments

The perfect compliment to a low flow showerhead is The Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve! It’s a revolutionary home water conservation product that will save water and get instant hot water to your shower! It saves a lot of water that’s normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. Just install the thermostatically adjustable recirculation valve under the sink farthest form your water heater and you will have instant hot water throughout your entire home. I’ve had one for 3 years now and I’m very impressed!

The Hot Water Lobster uses no electricity and works off of your existing plumbing! It’s also pump free, so it creates no noise. It’s made in the U.S.A., has a 10-year warranty, and can be easily installed in under 10 to 15 minutes! It even has a money back guarantee! The savings in water and energy quickly recoups it’s low $179.95 purchase price! You can’t beat this product!

There are also low flow water saving faucet aerators that do not use screens thus eliminating any clogging that can be from sediment buildup. Keep in mind that low flow can be considered even at the 2.2 gpm rate all the way down to .5 gpm which is actually considered ultra low flow.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for giving me the source of the Deluxe Kitchen Swivel Aerator. I have been looking all over for it. I orginally bought it through some little gadget magazine but I have had the hardest time finding it lately. And it is wonderful! I give them as Christmas gifts. They make such a difference in my water usage. That little lever on the end that allows you to slow the water without touching the faucet arm is fantastic. Again, thanks. Myra Farr

It’s a bit late for a comment, but maybe someone will benefit.
I love my swivel aerator, bought at Gaiam, but they don’t have them anymore. Don’t know why Amazon’s is $30! Found one for $5.50 at greenfeet.com http://tinyurl.com/23ns3dx
The only problem with it is that it lowers the height of the faucet, which is difficult unless you have a tall fixture. Mine is low, and it’s a bit of a hassle, but worth it.

The higher priced than normal but you have to pay for quality. The tenant in my rental house asked me if he could install one. After he finished, I went over to inspect his work to make it it was installed properly. I was really impressed with the amount of pressure that “puppy” put out. He explained just as you did about the money/water saving aspect. Needless to say, I’m installing them in my house.